I had an interaction with an older man last week that left me red in the face and biting my tongue. Quite frankly, he was downright disrespectful to this toddler-toting momma. One would assume that he would've acted with more respect. (Yes, I'm totally stereotyping based on his age and the fact that we live in the South.) The "offense" doesn't really matter. The words he said to me will soon be forgotten, but the impression he had on me will not. You see, I assumed, that he should know better. But maybe, just maybe, he really didn't know better. Maybe he grew up in a house that allowed disrespect to others. Maybe he wasn't taught kindness. Maybe he was just having a bad day... Maybe he doesn't know Jesus or experienced grace. Ouch. This last thought hurts my heart because if I were to be honest, I didn't point him to Jesus through my reaction to the situation. I didn't extend grace to him. I let my flesh react and I certainly didn't tame my tongue as I am called in James 3:1-12.
As a mother I've got a great responsibility--I'm learning the depth of this daily. The interactions and expectations in our home have a profound correlation to the future. If I don't teach Jonah how to be kind to others through words and actions, then he will be no better off than the grumpy old man in the parking lot. It begins with me.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6
S Club Mama
Wednesday 31st of March 2010
Isn't it so sad though that some people are NOT taught kindness, sharing, loving? I can't imagine growing up like that nor raising my kids like that. OR not knowing Jesus? I grew up knowing who he was but had to find Him for myself. I won't let that happen with my kids.
Leslie, the Home Maker
Wednesday 31st of March 2010
I can SO relate! I had a women pull into a parking spot (I was waiting and had my turn signal on) in front of me the other day. I sat there, waiting for her to get out of her car, (it took her about 5 minutes because she was probably scared), and when she finally got out with her toddler, I had cooled down some and just yelled at her, "That was VERY rude!" My girls were with me in the car.Now, I don't know if my reaction was godly or not, but I do agree with you that people have gotten more rude through the years, but doesn't God's word say that the love of many will grow cold? Then why are we surprised :)?You and I, as Christ's example can learn to love other's despite their behavior.I always say: "Hurting people hurt people." Let us not grow cold.I pray for us today that despite our treatment, we can emanate joy towards others and not close our hearts to other's pain. That's tough sometimes, huh?(Gee, I sounded like I was making a post, LOL!)Well, blessings to your home today!!